Concerns are mounting over Bukayo Saka's readiness ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the Arsenal winger is unlikely to start and complete a full 90-minute match.

Sky Sports analyst David Reed examined Saka's availability numbers in detail, highlighting how the 23-year-old's fitness record raises genuine questions about the role England can realistically ask him to play at this summer's tournament.

Tuchel's candid admission

Tuchel's comments were notably transparent — stopping short of ruling Saka out entirely, but drawing a clear line between the player's current condition and the demands of a World Cup campaign. A winger of Saka's quality would ordinarily be among the first names on any England teamsheet, making the uncertainty all the more significant.

Reed's analysis focused on the minutes Saka has managed over recent weeks, tracking a pattern that suggests the England squad's technical staff are carefully managing his workload. The picture that emerges is one of a player who remains a vital option for Tuchel, but one who may need to be deployed in a more measured way throughout the group stage and beyond.

What it means for England's attack

England's attacking options at the World Cup will inevitably be shaped by how quickly Saka can build his fitness and match sharpness. His ability to stretch defences and create chances from wide areas is central to how Tuchel wants his side to play, and there is no straightforward replacement for that specific threat.

Should Saka be limited to cameo appearances or rotated carefully across matches, England's coaching staff will need to adapt their tactical approach. The coming days and weeks — as the tournament draws closer — will be crucial in determining just how central a role Saka can play for England at the FIFA World Cup 2026.